Struggling to connect with your canine? Vet shares the best ways to really bond with your dog

Struggling to connect with your canine? Vet shares the best ways to really bond with your dog

Want a happy and loving connection with your dog? Vet Emily Walton shares 4 simple, powerful ways to build trust and create the friendship of a lifetime with your pup

BEND, OR - October 18: Jenna Marie Pacelli hugs her dog Lennon, who got coccidioidomycosis in Utah, in her office in Bend, OR on October 18, 2023. Lennon was unable to walk and became incontinent but responded well to treatments. "Most sane people would have put the dog down," Pacelli said. "I was just glad I could afford to treat it." Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungus that develops below the undisturbed surface of soils in hot, dry areas in the western United States. The fungus, when inhaled in dust, can cause longterm and sometimes severe health issues. If the fungus disseminates beyond the lungs, it can cause cocci meningitis, resulting in paralysis and neurological issues. As the climate warms and becomes drier, the fungus, which can also infect animals, could spread to new areas of the country. (Photo by Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
BEND, OR - October 18: Jenna Marie Pacelli hugs her dog Lennon, who got coccidioidomycosis in Utah, in her office in Bend, OR on October 18, 2023. Lennon was unable to walk and became incontinent but responded well to treatments. "Most sane people would have put the dog down," Pacelli said. "I was just glad I could afford to treat it." Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungus that develops below the undisturbed surface of soils in hot, dry areas in the western United States. The fungus, when inhaled in dust, can cause longterm and sometimes severe health issues. If the fungus disseminates beyond the lungs, it can cause cocci meningitis, resulting in paralysis and neurological issues. As the climate warms and becomes drier, the fungus, which can also infect animals, could spread to new areas of the country. (Photo by Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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Building a strong bond with your dog goes far beyond daily walks and feeding routines, it’s about creating a relationship rooted in trust, affection, and understanding. Dogs are deeply social animals, and the connection they share with their humans can shape their behavior, happiness, and overall wellbeing.

Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home or you’re looking to deepen your relationship with a longtime companion, learning how to truly connect with your dog can transform both of your lives. In this article, we’ll explore practical and effective ways to strengthen that bond and create a partnership for life.

How to bond with your dog

1. Take the time

We turned to Veterinary Surgeon Emily Walton (BVM, BVS, MRes, MRCVS) at Avon Farm Vets for tips on forming a strong connection with our pets: "I think the most important way to bond with your dog is spending time together," says Dr Walton. "Whether it's out walking, running, or just chilling at home."

Dogs tend to form the closest bond with those they spend the most time. Typically, this is also the individual who feeds them and takes them for walks. Keep that in mind next time you decide whose turn it is to walk the dog!

Border collie with blue ball on owner's lap

2. Train them up and have fun

"Training tricks can be a fun activity to build your dog's relationship with you." If you're not sure where to start, pick up a training book or reach out to a trainer for advice. Those adopting untrained dogs from the puppy age should be prepared to educate themselves on how best to socialise their pooch and instil good habits from the get-go.

"Also, get involved with an activity or sport suited to your dog's breed. For example, herding for a collie, retrieving for a Labrador, biting sports for a Malinois." Know your dog's natural instincts and work with them so they can feel fulfilled and happy. Ultimately, "A dog whose natural instincts are satisfied will be a happy dog."

3. Match your lifestyles

"Often, picking a breed that suits your lifestyle can help with bonding as there's no point in having a super active dog if that's not your thing. There may be a breed that's just as nice that loves to just chill." Do your research before taking the leap to adopt and think not only about your lifestyle now, but 10-15 years in the future – a dog is a lifelong commitment, and though your priorities in life may change, your dog needs to remain a constant within them. You'll know it's a match because you'll bond over activities you both love – be that walking in nature or hours or lounging on the couch with plenty of cuddles.

4. Keep it simple

At the end of the day, Dr Walton emphasises that bonding with your dog is simpler than you think, so don't overcomplicate things: "Dogs love the people they spend the most time with as long as they are nice to them", she says. "Also, whoever feeds them!"

Top image: Carolyn Van Houten/Getty Images

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